Grooming January 31, 2021
Forestville: Andy groomed the skate lanes on the Noque’ and Animoosh to 17k. In addition, the skate lanes on Chiwagi (both by pass and hills) as well as Bagwagi, Migizi, Boozhoo and Zing
Fit Strip: I expect the fit strip is hard pan with dirt and foot prints. Any local knowledge would be appreciated.
Big Bay Pathway: Reg reported on the 30th that the Big Bay pathway trails are still “very skiable”.
Saux Head: All trails rolled and then Ginzu groomed and track set on the 24th.
Snow Bike Trails:
NORTH TRAILS
Last Groomed: 1/28/21 on Upper Loop Trails (Collinsville, BLP Rocks, Blue Heron, Upper Blue Heron, Silver Lead & Peter’s Sandbox) along with Wildcat, Ramblin Man and Midnight Snack). Remainder trails last groomed 1/22/21
Conditions: Continued cold temps have kept the base firm and fast with good coverage. The absence of freeze/thaw cycles since the last snow means less user generated trail degrading such as ruts and potholes to detract from the trail experience. Infrequent rocks/roots showing through, mainly at the lower elevations/ along the river.
Caution Areas: Runoff from the penstock is collecting on the trail in 2 areas of BLP Rocks- in the ‘ice cave’ area under the penstock and further upstream, near the crossing across the river- leaving icy sections of trail that require care. Trail users can throw some sand found in the garbage can under the penstock on the ice to improve traction. Those without studded tires or boot crampons should use caution.
Bottom Line: Trails are in great shape right now
South Trails Grooming:
Rubin cleaned up OCR, Enchantment, Greywalls and Oak Hill Loop on Tuesday night the 26th.
WTLGR: So that’s it for the cold snap? What a rip! The five day forecast calls for highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s. Then we are getting into mid February and the joys of bitter cold will be all but gone. Sure, last week we got to ski in some 10 to 15 degree weather and the pre-dawn numbers were somewhat impressive but nothing for the misery index. You pay attention to your layers when its going to be 10. You ski in a space suit when it is -10. I kind of revel in cheating the cold. I say “kind of” because I really don’t like it at all but getting the proper combination of hand/toe warmers, face covering and wind protection is a thrill. When it is just right you can laugh at the cold. Of course there is always the danger of injury so I go through some calculations. For example, before schussing Talladega I calculate if I can crawl up the hill to cell coverage with a broken pelvis before succumbing. Life is so much easier when you don’t have to go through such analysis.
See you out there. I’ll be the one in the Bermuda shorts.
Sondo